Question on the small fellows.

[El Presidente]

I was asked to recommend a box of small formatl cigars (small panetela) for a members wife who has commenced the journey in taking up cigars. A joyous occasion!

This is not a format I smoke very much at all. From time to time I will enjoy a Du Maire and an ERDM Demi Tasse.

The initial discussion was on the Cohiba Exquisitos but alas there are none.

I do have quality boxes of:

Romeo y Julieta Petit Julieta

El Rey Del mundo Demi Tasse

Hoyo De Monterrey Le Hoyo Du Maire.

Montecristo Joyitas

Cohiba Panetelas

Bolivar Tubos Number 3

Now let's rule out the Boli tubos Number 3. I am smoking one now (love them) and if there is a stronger cigar out of Cuba being made....I don't know about it. Not quite the cigar for someone starting their Habanos journey.

I had recommended the LGC MO4 but it is a little too long.

So for those who are knowledgeable about the cigars listed above, let us know what you would recommend and why.

Much appreciated

[jimsta10]

Interesting topic Prez. Because winter is near and I was search for the the exact type of cigar. Mind you, I have no clue on which one is good, but would love to hear what the other members think.

Cheers

[Colt45]

Can't comment on "small fellows" except to say......

Size Matters!

[CaptainQuintero]

The Quintero Panetela was the first Cuban which got me hooked, it stood out from the small Upmann and RyJ that I had picked up by its sheer sweetness. I've come to appreciate the differences in more premium blends since but for a newish person exploring cigars I genuinely couldn't recommend anything else.

Light bodied, sweet, rich, no stress any draw and construction due to it being short filler and small enough to not overawe a beginner but not small enough to fall into the cigarette sized category.

Not to mention the price ?

[Jeremy Festa]

I think presentation is important in this situation and I think these are the best --> http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=99094&page=649#entry568245

[Ken Gargett]

i saw the heading and immediately thought of Brooklyn 99 - 'name of your sex tape'?

[Ken Gargett]

more seriously, they get smaller than petit corona?

why wouldn't you just dip a ciggie in brown boot polish and whack up the price?

[NSXCIGAR]

I'd strongly suggest the ERDM Demi Tasse for the female novice. Good size, smooth, mild and flavorful. The Demi Tasse can be appreciated by both the novice and the expert.

For a stronger option, or for a female newer to CCs but not cigars in general, the Monte Joyitas would be my strong recommendation.

The Du Maire is definitely smooth & mild, but I think a novice may have a hard time sussing out its complexities.

Cohiba Panetela or Exquisitos isn't a cigar for beginners. May be too strong, and not worth the high price tag for a novice. Would be wasted on them.

RyJ Petit Julietas have had lots of construction and consistency issues for me and others lately. I'd avoid. May end up being a negative experience, and that's not what you want with a female giving it her first shot!

Boli Tubos --obvious no. Those have been kicking my butt lately, and I like them rough and tough.

[luv2fly]

Demi Tasse

[CigarAsh]

What? No love for the Por Larranaga panatela or Montecarlos? Think those would be an excellent starter type cigar. Mild to medium body, terrific flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Other small formats I've been smoking a LOT of lately: RASCC, Rafael Gonzalez Perlas and a new favorite in the Partagas Shorts. These are all stronger than the PL s but terrific short smokes.

[jwr0201]

Disagree on the Demi Tasse. If not great sticks, are often miserably plugged.

[PuffDaddie]

Le hoyo du Marie is the one I would go for.

[jimsta10]

Currently around 60-65 here in Melbourne (a warm autumn). But winter will be around 40-50ish

[MrGTO]

Monte 5.

That's what I would give anyone who wanted to wet their whistle in Cubans. Maybe not as small as you've asked for but it's as small as I'll go.

[dvickery]

Monty joyitas or Hoyo du maire .

Derrek

[Orion21]

Bolivar No. 3 if she wants full flavor. ERDM Demi Tasse if she wants an easy smoking cigar.

[finecigar]

I would have to agree with others on the Demi Tasse... Though they do suffer from construction issues, if there was a hand selected box I think she would enjoy these the most. With a little age they can bring many floral, perfume, and grassy elements that would pair well with a summer night's chardonnay, pinot grigio, among other whites or roses. They are a joyful little cigar that don't require a big commitment. The PL panetelas could be an option as well.

[Fugu]

The Hoyo du Maire and the ERDM Demi Tasse are certainly very good choices, I'd agree on that. Would recommend the du Maire a bit over the DT, as it is delivering more already as a freshy (and the presentation can't be beat of course). And, as others have said, also from my experience usually comes with less construction issues.

All PL need age for my personal liking (yes, also the Montecarlo), so I would refrain from that marca for a novice unless aged ones on offer.

That being said, I see the risk, when offering her those small Entreactos formats, that she might feel as if her starting off as a SOTL might not be taken 'serious'... (as Ken alluded to - a "brownish cigarette"...what the hell? Might not be appreciated by a novice - I also learned to enjoy those cigars only relatively late in my carreer).

For alternatives with a bit more volume, I'd surely take into consideration the Hoyo du Depute, as well as - of course - the great small Rafael Gonzales Perla, if not even the PC. Should you have a box of RG PCs with some age (e.g. the 2011/12 have been fab) I'd stongly recommend this. Full flavour, nice complexity, but still not strong, not overpowering and a just a great, great smoke (one of my personal favourites).

But if restricting it to your list, Rob, I would go with the du Maire, no question.

[cigarbreak]

Demi Tasse. My gf is a non smoker and she enjoyed these while the lasted. She said they were sweet and mild, and not too long a smoking time. Also she said it had an elegant quality about it, given the size but strong aroma.

[Smallclub]

An other vote for the ERDM demi tasse. I've met several ladies who loved them. It's clearly the best of the 3 entreactos listed IMO.

The Cohiba panatela isn't bad but it's VERY pricey for what it delivers.

As for the Monte Joyitas, in my experience it's crap. Dry, earthy, pungent, too little smoke, etc.

For something a bit longer and slightly stronger I'd suggest the RyJ Sport Largos if you can get them.

[PigFish]

I would say that all of these are no real value for the money spent (considering the newer smoker). If they cannot jump into a cigar that I too would smoke, SCC, Party Short, du Depute, then I would look to Partagas Chicos or similar small ring MM that can be bought at a real bargain. It is much better to look at a mashed 3/4 length Chico in an ashtray than a du Depute that is mashed with a 1/2 inch smoked from it!

Just my 2cts.

-Piggy

[QuaiDorkay]

I would give the lgc mo4 a push as my wife enjoys them. The length allows her to match my smoking time and a wonderful cigar.

[losttrailer]

The Quintero Panetela was the first Cuban which got me hooked, it stood out from the small Upmann and RyJ that I had picked up by its sheer sweetness. I've come to appreciate the differences in more premium blends since but for a newish person exploring cigars I genuinely couldn't recommend anything else.

Light bodied, sweet, rich, no stress any draw and construction due to it being short filler and small enough to not overawe a beginner but not small enough to fall into the cigarette sized category.

Not to mention the price

i second the idea if this is an option. Perfect for beginner smokers and would not need a lot of age on them as the others listed.

[Eric E]

ERDM, as if there were another option.

Ok, I'm an ERDM *****. It is my absolute favorite, so there may be a bit of bias here. :-)

[RijkdeGooier]

If you have them maybe the Rafael Gonzales cigarillos?